Politics & Government
Prop 8 Decision Rallies Planned for Entire Bay Area
Same sex marriage could earn a major loss or victory this week.
Written by Bay City News:
With the U.S. Supreme Court expected to release its Proposition 8Ā and Defense of Marriage Act rulingsĀ on Wednesday, rallies are planned allĀ over the Bay Area in support of same-sex marriage rights.
On what is dubbed "decision day," a group will gather at CastroĀ and Market streets in San Francisco's Castro District atĀ 6:30 p.m.
Marriage Equality USA spokesman Billy Bradford said preparationsĀ are under way for a rally and potential celebration, including two stages forĀ music and speeches. Police have been notified about the event.
He said the celebratory mood could be soured, however, dependingĀ on the content of the rulings. Bradford said those attending may have toĀ "temper our joy. Our work here isn't done."
San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera will be holding a newsĀ conferenceĀ WednesdayĀ morning following the Supreme Court's announcement,Ā which is expected shortly afterĀ 7 a.m.
Herrera's news conference will take place on the steps of CityĀ Hall, where Herrera and Chief Deputy City Attorney Therese Stewart willĀ discuss the possible legal repercussions of the decision, as well as plansĀ for how the city could handle a potential flurry of same-sex weddings.
Later in the morning, San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee is expected toĀ speak.
Daly City resident Thom Watson, who has been with his partner JeffĀ Tabaco for 10 years, said he will be watching closely at home before headingĀ to San Francisco City Hall for what he considers a historic moment.
He said he hasn't been sleeping well waiting for the high court'sĀ decision and has been analyzing what various potential rulings could mean forĀ marriage equality.
"We're in a constant state of fatigue mixed with excitement," heĀ said.
Evan Costner, who organized the annual Berkeley Pride celebrationĀ that took place in that cityĀ on MondayĀ evening, said a contingent from theĀ Berkeley area is ready to "flock to San Francisco and rally there."
He said Berkeley's pride planning committee had hoped that theĀ Supreme Court would issue a rulingĀ on MondayĀ in time for the annual festival,Ā which had the timely theme, "First comes love, then comes marriage..."
In other parts of the Bay Area, various groups are ready to springĀ into action once they hear the ruling, including the local LGBT activistĀ group Hearts on Silicon Valley, which is planning to meet at San Jose CityĀ Hall atĀ 6 p.m.
Organizers of that event posted on Facebook that there will beĀ speakers and live music at the community gathering at City Hall, which isĀ located at 200 E. Santa Clara St.
Oakland community groups have plans for a celebration atĀ 5:30 p.m.Ā at 19th Street and Telegraph Avenue, with participants convening at thatĀ intersection before moving on to dance parties at nearby bars and clubs.
In Concord, aĀ 6:30 p.m.Ā celebration complete with champagne isĀ planned at the Rainbow Community Center, located 2118 Willow Pass Road.
Other events are in the works in Mountain View, Redwood City,Ā Santa Cruz, Vallejo, Fairfield, Guerneville and Healdsburg.
Copyright Ā© 2013 by Bay City News, Inc. -- Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.
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